So I have a buyer that I helped find the perfect house! What’s next? If my buyer asks me for a recommendation for a loan officer, I can help by offering them a few choices. This is a critical step to the purchase going smoothly and ending up with a happy client. Inevitably a happy client is always my goal. This brings referrals and friends. The best type of business is referrals! It shows that I’m doing my job well. Keep tabs on the mortgage process, ask questions to the loan officer as to how the process is going, any snags, red flags on the horizon? If you feel that you are not getting verbal responses, put your questions in an email, ask for a written response. You then have something to show if something along the way does not work out. Make contact at least once per week. I would say 2 times per week is ideal. (I don’t mean voice mail either) When the loan officer asks you for more information whether it be pay stubs, statements etc…be ready to get it to them quickly. Allow NO EXCUSES on the loan officer’s part. If you feel that your loan is not being processed properly, ask for the loan officer’s supervisor to step in. Some brief points. 1. Initial contact – Ask what is to be expected, how long it will take and if they feel the closing date will be an issue. 30 days seems to be a number most can deal with. 2. Have everything the loan officer needs prepared and ready to go. 3. Ask about points, rates, term, etc… 4. Ask if there is an application fee and if the loan fails will it be refunded..etc… I’m not a mortgage/loan officer so I cannot give out much advice on this subject. However, I am a Realtor® that knows how important it is when buying a house that you choose the correct people to help you. There is nothing worse in the real estate world than finding your dream home and having a third party mess up the deal.